Ball State was unable to overcome the setback of several athletes battling the flu and finished fourth in the Mid-American Conference Championships this weekend at Eastern Michigan.
Five team members came down with the sickness, but were still able to perform in the most important meet of the indoor season.
"I thought we competed as hard as we could," coach Sue Parks said. "Some of them weren't 100 percent, but under the circumstances we did the best that we could."
The Cards scored in 13 of the 17 events, tallying 77 points. The team finished behind Central Michigan (103), Eastern, and defending champion Kent State.
Three BSU freshmen combined for 22 points in individual events, one of whom was Christina Poulson, who finished second place in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.60. Her time was only .14 seconds away from winner Patrice Beasley of Eastern Michigan.
"I think the impressive thing about our team is that all of our scores were from freshmen, sophomores and juniors, so we return every single one of our 77 points for next year," Parks said.
Poulson also placed seventh in the 200-meter dash, clocking a 25.41. Sophomore Crystal Winfrey placed second in the 200, crossing the finish line in 25.11. Winfrey also finished fourth in the 400.
Poulson and Winfrey combined for 23 points in their individual events.
Sophomore Jennifer McCoy boosted the team by taking second in the long jump with a personal record 19-02 12. McCoy also finished third in the pentathlon, consisting of the 60-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump and 800-meter run.
"There were a few events that I didn't go as well as I would have liked, primarily the 60 meter hurdles, but the competition was great," McCoy said.
"This is definitely the highlight of the season for me. We've been building up throughout the season for this meet and I was happy I was able to peak at this meet."
BSU's relay teams, the 4x400 and distance medley finished in second and third, respectively. The 4x400 team had a time of 3:50.34 while the distance medley was clocked at 11:55.41.
Sophomore Jill Scully participated on the distance medley team and also ran in the mile, finishing fourth with a time of 4:56.94. She also took fourth place in the 3000 at 9:50.21.
The team's indoor season is not complete, though, as the team heads to Notre Dame for the third time this season for the Alex Wilson Invitational Friday and Saturday.
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